Hello all, im jumping out of my Touring comfort zone to ask the sportster Gods a question. I appreciate any tips.

Friend of mine bought a 82 Sportster, looks clean (only seen pics). She replaced the battery as a precaution and has since had problems with the lights. She has none at all. She has replaced the breakers and ignition, still no lights. I was contacted only after all this is done, so I have not looked at it yet. Bike starts and runs fine, just no lights. I suspect something at or near the battery. I have her tracking down a manual (hopefully) for this bike. But I ask the gurus.... any thoughts? Is there something near the battery that might cause this?

Thanks!
Rob

 

Since all lights are not working, sounds like a ground issue or perhaps the main light harness is not firmly connected IMO Since it starts and run, does not appear to be the ground on the battery.

 

I know on the old ones, the lights and ignition are swapped on the switch compared to a new bike. Essentially, you can start and run the bike without the lights on, then turn the key another position and your lights come on. I think all the ironheads are like that, but don't know for sure.

Is she turning the key all the way to the lights position?

Failing that, start tracing the headlight wiring back to find out where it is disconnected.

 

yeah my 1977 does the same thing, ignition switch has to be all the way turned clockwise for the lights to come on.

 

After going back and forth, she may or may not know about the 2 positions... she will check when she gets home. Thanks all for the tips, we'll start with the easiest first.

 

You need to take a look at this bike before either of you does anything. It's daft anyone, especially us, trying to diagnose a patient's condition before the doctor is called in. As for a manual, make sure you get a factory service manual, not a cheap aftermarket one! Let us know what YOU find, then between us we have a fighting chance of sorting it out.

 

Thanks, she did check and she said the key is in the proper position, no lights in either.

I posted because I was hopeful that there was something stupid silly by the battery that might been forgotten to reattach or was loose. But I need to find the time to get over there and look myself... time is the issue.

Thanks!

Rob

 

Rob, there may indeed be something silly, but a trained eye and a little hands-on will help a lot!

 

see if the turn signals or anything work, could just be a burnt out bulb. Indicator lights as well. A wiring diagram really helps too, on my bike, EVERYTHING seems to run off a common orange wire, if all the light are out on my bike, that's the first thing I check. It definitely sounds like something simple though.

 

Did you solve this problem. I have same no light issue 82 sportster

annsporty82.